Paid this car a visit yesterday. It certainly didn't blow me away or anything. But, it has to be said that Maruti understands the Indian customer base which values value and utility over everything else.
Despite it's increased dimensions, the new Ertiga does not seat 7 in total comfort with a full luggaged boot. It is better than the older version. But, it still isn't a full fledged 7 seater. I am not saying that the Innova or the Marazzo fit that bill. All, I am saying is that the quest for a true 7 seater for the Indian middle class has not ended with the Ertiga. It's a shame really because there is no other place in the world where such space would be most valued or used, and yet here we are in this country without a true 7 seater car. Incidentally, there are so many options for 7 and 8 seaters in the west. But in India, we always seem to be done in by tax breaks targetting car sizes, engine sizes and what not.
This is solely my opinion. But, to value conscious people who are shopping around and who do not have strong loyalties to any brand, the Ertiga is a no-brainer.
Really, the Marazzo does not stand a chance.
Space in the 2nd and 3rd rows of the Ertiga is alright. Nothing great. Kaam chalao types. But, the Ertiga has a better and more functional boot with all seats up. The 3rd row also reclines to a healthy angle; and even with a full recline, the boot is usable. Plus, there is that added boot depth under the panels in the back.
After sitting in the Marazzo and the Ertiga, we felt that the leg room in the 3rd row is far better in the Ertiga than the Marazzo; because in the Ertiga, you can move the 2nd row very far forward to the point where the 2nd row seat touches the back of the first row. Of course, no one would use the car this way. But, this range of movement really gives us the flexibility to liberate leg room in the 3rd row. This is not possible in the Marazzo where the range of fore-aft travel of the 2nd row is quite small.
The Marazzo has the following advantages on the Ertiga:
- Better shoulder room in 2nd and 3rd rows
- Window sunshades
- Cruise Control
- Usable front row arm rests
- Sunglass holder
- Conversation mirror
- Storage bin above dash.
- Usable cup holders despite that idiotic handbrake design.
- Captain seat option. - But, this is a double edged sword. I personally would want a bench which isn't offered in the top end. Not the best decision in my opinion. I see no harm in offering all seating options in the top trim, expecially since Mahindra is offering it in the lower trims.
- Really nice 1.5 liter diesel engine.
- Better build quality.
- A larger and more substantial presence on the road.
Overall, the Ertiga has the competition beat with it's huge price advantage and that lovely petrol with the auto tranny, not to mention Maruti's ASS reach, resale value, and that extra power outlet in the 3rd row in the top trims.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NiInJa ....I wanted to check specifically the VXi variant.
On-road Pune Vxi is 9,65 Lakhs and ZXi is 10.61, ZXi+ 11.20
Compared to Zxi, Vxi misses out on the following
- Alloy wheels,
- Rear Wash wipe,
- Automatic Climate control
- Faux Wooden trim
- Some chrome here and there
- Central Armrest (which is useless as it rests only your elbow, your forearm will dangle and will not rest anywhere unless kept on gear level)
Both Zxi and Vxi dont get:
- Touch screen system with Android and Apple Car play and voice command.
- Rear view camera.
Apart from rear wipers, all other features in Zxi are cosmetic and 'feel good' compared to Vxi, so I am wondering if putting one lakh rupees more makes any sense for someone tight on budget. I am currently evaluating Vxi and Zxi with family and friends, although I am all for Vxi. Waiting for Vxi/Vdi variant to arrive and have a 'feel' of it. I am not interested in driving the car this time around as our requirement is strictly a 7 seater and there is no other car in under 10 Lakh category which qualifies... |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iyencar The Vxi also does not get the rear defogger. Depending on your requirement, this may be something to consider as well especially since it cannot be retrofitted. |
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrideRed If you drive often on highways, you should go for ZXI just for the rear wipers. On a MPV/Hatchback/SUV this feature is important. In city you won't miss much but come highway during rainy season and you will be reminded of this missing feature everytime. |
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunilch I am shocked and frustrated at Maruti to read this.
This is such a basic feature that it should be present right in every variant. Ask anyone who has driven during rains/monsoon. Oh wait, anyone and everyone will know that already. Maruti is being a miser when trying to push folks for the higher variant. |
Here is a fuller list of features missing in Ertiga VXI.
- Height adjustable drivers seat
- Engine Push Start/Stop with Smart Key
- Charging point in the 3rd row
- Height adjustable seatbelts in the front row
- Front fog lamps
- Rear Wiper / Washer
- Defogger
- Auto A/C
- Alloy wheels
- Outside temperature gauge
- Extra audio tweeters
I have omitted the chrome bling elements. I have also not included the obviously top-end only feature - touchscreen infotainment with voice recognition. In my opinion, the last 4 features in the list are nice to have and not really necessary. But, the first 7 features are a real value add. I would miss them if the car didn't have them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by nikipedia87 The closest competitor to the Ertiga would be the BR-V, which, despite having better engines (and a better second seat flip mechanism ), is a flop because it is seriously overpriced. The new Ertiga might push the BR-V numbers further down. Marazzo, on the other hand, offers much more space than both the BR-V and the Ertiga, and has a better build than both as well.
For someone looking for a value for money petrol 7-seater, nothing beats the new Ertiga. |
For the longest time, I have been saying that in terms of utility, it is the BRV and only the BRV for seating 7. But, as you rightly pointed out, that car is overpriced by 3 lacs at least. Also, it has some key features missing (no backlighting in the dash and on the CVT transmission stalk, no extra charging sockets in the back rows, call answer button on dash instead of on the steering wheel, narrow second row seat). Finally, there's the styling; which is just not appealing enough. If the car had been 6 inches wider, the styling would have worked in my opinion. Still, for the longest time, I was cruising the used market for a BRV and could not find anything I liked.
Thank God for the new Ertiga.
I have asked for a TD of the auto tranny. If all goes well, I will book the car in the next few weeks. The Ertiga is the best compromise out there for middle class Indian families.